As Detroit Pistons force Game 6, Ausar Thompson becomes silent hero

"Ausar is awesome. He understands how to impact the game," coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "What stands out is that he sacrifices himself every single night to do whatever the team needs from him. He has taken on tough defensive assignments. Not to mention his ability to get deflections, get steals and create chaos out there."

The Pistons have had a disappointing start to the playoffs. They will enter Game 6 on Friday night inside Kia Center trailing 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Detroit has had several players who have underperformed when compared to their regular-season performances. However, Thompson has been primarily consistent.

To keep their season alive on their home court, the Pistons emphasized rebounding as a key focus. Thompson answered the challenge by recording 11 defensive rebounds in the game, demonstrating his skill as he currently ranks eighth in the playoffs for rebounds per game, averaging 9.4.

In addition, Thompson currently ranks in the top 10 in nearly every defensive category. He is third in steals (2.6 stl) and fourth in blocks (2.0 blk). When it comes to combined stocks — a combination of steals and blocks — Thompson ranks second amid an average of 4.6. He trails only the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, who leads the league with 5.0 per game.

Detroit Pistons guard/forward Ausar Thompson (9) drives past Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) in the first half. Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic, Round 1/Game 5 at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in Detroit, Mich

"He brings it every single night. I do not think I've seen another player in this league who plays with his type of intensity and energy on the perimeter," center Isaiah Stewart said. "The way that he defends and the way that he gets steals, he's just so athletic. He is just a special guy."

Since entering the league as a lottery pick in 2023, Thompson has solidified himself as one of the league's top defenders. His defensive production against the Magic has not been surprising. However, the series has also highlighted his ability to take on a greater role on the offensive end.

He scored a handful of timely baskets in Game 5, many of which helped the Pistons maintain their momentum. At the start of the fourth quarter, Thompson scored on an up-and-under right-handed layup after beating the Magic's Suggs and Goga Bitadze off the dribble.

Thompson's ability to drive to the basket came just minutes after an injury scare midway through the third quarter. He recorded a block on Paolo Banchero's shot attempt and landed awkwardly on his ankle.

Thompson spent several minutes on the sidelines with trainers. He was determined not to leave the game, knowing how crucial his contributions were to the Pistons' chances of avoiding elimination. After the game, Thompson spent a considerable amount of time soaking his ankle in ice water.

More: Jalen Rose places Cade Cunningham on GOAT list after Game 5 masterpiece

"He was great. Ausar is a great player and that is what we need from him," Cunningham said. "He has imposed himself on this series. He imposed himself on this game. He has shown time and time again that he is beyond capable, and we needed him tonight."

Thompson's Game 5 performance demonstrated his determination to prevent the Pistons from going home early, but he also wanted to avoid being the first in his family to be eliminated. Thompson shared a pregame text with his twin brother, Amen Thompson, who also helped the Houston Rockets avoid elimination in their respective Game 5 contest against the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night.

Whichever brother advances further this postseason will own bragging rights throughout the summer. But, as long as Thompson continues to demonstrate his all-around talents and hustle, the Pistons will be well-positioned to complete their second 3-1 comeback in franchise history at the hands of the Magic.

"We just went out there and did what we were supposed to do," Thompson said. "This means everything. I do it for my team. I do it for the fans. It gives me more motivation."

Pistons at Magic, Game 6

**▶ Tip-off:**7 p.m. Friday, Kia Center, Orlando

▶ Series: Magic lead, 3-2

▶ TV/radio: Amazon Prime

▶ Outlook: Franz Wagner missed Game 5 due to a left calf injury. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley revealed before the game that Wagner will receive round-the-clock treatment, but there is no timetable for his return for Game 6 or the remainder of the first-round series against the Pistons. Before going down with the injury in Game 4, Wagner had averaged 16.0 points on 42.9% shooting from the field, to go along with 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 steals.

coty.davis@detroitnews.com

@cotydavis_24

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: As Detroit Pistons force Game 6, Ausar Thompson becomes silent hero